Keynote Speakers

Dr. William (Bill) H. Thomas is an international authority on geriatric medicine and eldercare. He currently serves as president of The Center for Growing and Becoming, Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and developing constructive, holistic approaches to aging and the care of our elders.

Dr. Thomas has published a half a dozen books, the most recent of which is What Are Old People For? How Elders Will Save the World which was named “Book of the Year” in 2005 by the American Medical Writers Association. He has been interviewed by a broad range of television, radio and print media including CNN, 48 Hours, All Things Considered, Morning Edition, The New York Times, Washington Post and Newsweek Magazine, The CBS Early Show, and was chosen by US News & World Report Magazine as one of “America’s best leaders.”

Dr. Thomas graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1986 and holds the position of Professor of Aging Studies at UMBC’s Erickson School of Aging in Baltimore, MD.

 Roberta (Robbe) A. Healey , MBA, NHA, ACFRE has thirty years in non-profit organization management and development. She is an accomplished fund raising generalist with successful track record of establishing new development offices, board and volunteer training.  A member of the International Board of Directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), she is the organization’s immediate past chair. She served as a founding member of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) Philanthropy Network. The Greater Philadelphia Chapter/AFP named her 2001 Fundraising Executive of the Year. She is a member of the adjunct faculty of Villanova University, Villanova Pennsylvania. She was the 75th individual to achieve the ACFRE, Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive credential and holds a Pennsylvania Nursing Home Administrators License (NHA). An AFP Master Teacher, she earned the designation in 2000, the first year it was awarded and has been designated a Faculty Star by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

Robbe earned a BS in Education from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts and an MBA from Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania.

Cherry Blossom Riverboat

Boat Cruise on the Potomac – Wednesday, August 22, 2012
7:30p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Join us after the Opening Reception and board the Cherry Blossom Riverboat to see Washington by night from the water. Meet new friends and reconnect with longtime colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere from the deck of a picturesque riverboat.
Registration is free for Members, but pre-registration is required.

Cruise Highlights
MOWAA Members will depart on the Cherry Blossom from the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center and sail north toward Washington, DC Sightseeing highlights will include Old Town Alexandria, Virginia; the Naval Research Laboratory; the U.S Capitol Building; the Washington Monument; National War College and Joint Base Anacostia-Boling.

History
The Cherry Blossom is one of only six Coast Guard certified working sternwheelers in the country. Named after the Cotton Blossom in the musical Showboat, the Cherry Blossom was built in 1984 in Palatka, Florida. The authentic split sternwheeler is a recreation of a 19th century Victorian riverboat and her features include ornate iron rails with a plush interior of brass and mahogany.